Bright-and-early vittles on Black Friday for these Staten Islanders

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- You could say that the Vinci family is living the American dream.

Born in Siracusa, Sicily, Emanuele (Manny) Vinci immigrated to the United States with his family in September 1977, when he was just 13.

The Vinci family, from left, Samantha, 14, Angelica, 20, mom and dad, Manny and Nancy, Stefania, 17, and Alessandra, 8, smile for the camera on the Ionian Sea, an arm of the Mediterranean south of the Adriatic Sea, while celebrating the Vincis' 25th wedding anniversary over the summer.

With a flair for culinary arts that surfaced even as a young teen, Manny chose to take his kitchen prowess to local pizzerias as a way to pitch in and help the family — still new to this country — make ends meet.

In time, he met Nancy Manzo, who would soon become his wife — when he was just age 20 and she 18. Coincidentally the twosome, who chose to elope, both trace their roots to Sicily.

After pooling their resources in 1995, Manny and Nancy, together with Manny’s brother Sebastian, opened Vinci’s Italian Pizzeria & Restaurant in Manhattan.

In October of this year, when the brothers lost their lease after 15 years in business, Manny and Nancy thought it the perfect opportunity to open a dining spot of their own right in their beloved hometown of Staten Island — the borough they tell us they adore. The couple chose to name the eatery the South Avenue Cafe, Deli & Pizza, since it’s located at 1777 South Ave., in the West Shore Shopping Plaza next to the state Department of Motor Vehicles in Travis.

And because the Vincis say that they are privileged to have adopted this country as their own, they’ll not only be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with family members come tomorrow, but choose to open the eatery the very next day, Black Friday, at 5:30 a.m., as a way to accommodate hungry shoppers.

And just to make it all the more interesting, Nancy and Manny will offer half-price on their entire menu from Friday until the following Saturday, Dec. 4, and will offer free delivery, as well, if folks call 718-370-6165.

Twenty-five years have come and gone since the Vincis said their “I do’s,” so they decided to celebrate the milestone with a trip to Sicily — where else? — but this time, they were escorted by their four lovely daughters, Angelica, 20, Stefania, 17, Samantha, 14 and Alessandra, 8.

Members of BellâAria will perform Monday evening at Casa Belvedere.

SWEET MUSIC
If you’re interested in unwinding after the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend, why not stop by Casa Belvedere on Monday evening at 7, when you’ll live the Italian-American experience of the distinct vocal sounds and five-part harmonies of Bell’Aria.

The quintet comprises Gabriel Burrafato, Jessica Carvo, Angelica DiCastro, Christopher Macchio and Miriam Pultro, who will perform songs from their debut album, “Little Italy,” a compilation of classic Italian-American songs for listeners of all ethnic backgrounds. FYI: Bell’Aria came together originally in February 2010, when an ad in Backstage Magazine calling for Italian-American singers was answered by all five members.

Miriam explains, “I look at Backstage every day for auditions. I went to New York for the audition, and that was it.” The journey began similarly for Long Island native Jessica Carvo. Meanwhile, in Toronto, Angelica came across the same ad online, and she felt just as Jessica did. “These were the songs I grew up listening to and performing as a teenager.”

Christopher was the first male to join the group. Gabriel was the final piece of the “puzzle.” As Jessica Carvo, one of the group members, puts it, “We want listeners to walk away feeling uplifted. We want it to give the older audiences a feeling of nostalgia and provide the younger crowd an introduction. That way, the music will always live on.”

“When I first met Bell’Aria, I knew that they would be a perfect fit at Casa Belvedere, the Italian Cultural Foundation, says Louis Calvelli, Casa Belvedere’s executive director fortunate to have them. “This is going to be a very special concert with a unique group of talented performers,” says he.

Casa Belvedere, the Italian Cultural Foundation, is a cultural campus and community center located at 79 Howard Ave., Grymes Hill. Proceeds of the event will benefit Casa Belvedere’s growing list of cultural programs. Space is limited and reservations are required. The suggested donation is $25. Wine, cheese and light fare will be served by Bella Mama Rose Restaurant of Elm Park to complement the wine selection provided by Banfi Vintners. Parking is available directly across the street, at Notre Dame Academy High School & Elementary School parking lots.

For reservations, information and to subscribe to the mailing list to learn more about the upcoming events and programs, call 718-273-7660, e-mail info@casa-belvedere.org.

CURTIS HS REUNION
The 30th reunion of the Curtis High School Class of 1980 is set for Friday at the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield, at 7:30 p.m.

Those interested in attending should call Frankie McBrien, one of the organizers, at 646-733-7809.